edWeb, Games4Ed launch game-based learning initiative

By Abi Mandelbaum

April 16th, 2015

Collaborative efforts will help expand knowledge about game-based learning’s potential for students

edWeb.net, a professional learning and social network for the education community, is partnering with Games4Ed, a new organization recently established to further the use of games and other immersive learning strategies in schools, to expand and deepen collaboration on game-based learning.

Why games? High-quality games are unique in that they provide all three pillars necessary for learning success: high engagement of the learners (have you ever watched someone totally engrossed in a game?); effective learning (game players learn both academic content and higher-level skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and persistence); and embedded assessment (games provide immediate feedback to players and can track competencies without the need for external testing).

Games4Ed was formed by over 25 representatives from different sectors of gaming and education who came together to examine the possibilities and issues regarding the use of game-based learning on January 20, 2015. The group is establishing collaborations between educators, researchers, game developers, publishers and policy makers to further the use of games and other immersive learning strategies in schools to help the education sector fulfill the mission of preparing all children to become successful 21st century learners and citizens. Games4Ed is a nonprofit organization, and the directors are Larry Cocco, Mitch Weisburgh, and Lucas Gillispie.